Abstract

This essay explores the intersection of Young Adult (YA) fiction and the literary romance genre through a compiled creative work, Apricity, a YA romance novel. Apricity follows protagonist Riley Kitridge, a foster care youth whose journey centers on navigating adolescence, trauma, and resilience, all while exploring themes of love, self-discovery, and personal growth. By incorporating essential elements of romance into a YA framework, my novel creates an authentic narrative emphasizing emotion and realism. Research on YA foster care narratives and memoirs built on foster care experience shaped Riley’s experiences, offering a detailed and genuine portrayal of foster youth’s systemic challenges and emotional struggles. Apricity allows readers to connect with characters whose experiences society often overlooks. This creative thesis combines academic research and storytelling to show how YA fiction can capture the complexities of adolescence while addressing broader social issues. Ultimately, Apricity highlights the significance of YA literature as a powerful and meaningful genre, celebrating resilience, found family, and the transformative impact of human connection.

Semester/Year of Award

Fall 12-2-2024

Mentor

Susan Kroeg

Mentor Department Affiliation

English

Access Options

Restricted Access Thesis

Degree Name

Honors Scholars

Degree Level

Bachelors

Department

English

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